Chapter 473

Evelyn couldn't process what Liam had just revealed. After a long silence, she finally whispered, "Liam, you're carrying General Blackwood's child. He still cares for you deeply. Why won't you fight for this?"

"Just give him the slightest encouragement, and he'll be yours completely."

Cassandra met Evelyn's gaze steadily. "Alexander knows how Victoria feels about him," she enunciated carefully.

Evelyn frowned. "What does that matter?"

A bitter smile touched Cassandra's lips as she tapped Evelyn's forehead. "When someone keeps an admirer close, it's either because they return those feelings... or they're keeping them as backup."

Understanding dawned in Evelyn's eyes.

As long as Victoria remained in Alexander's orbit, Cassandra wanted no part of this tangled web.

For her own safety. For her unborn child. Evelyn pressed, "You'll be stationed at the military base now. You'll see General Blackwood regularly. How will you hide your condition when your pregnancy advances?"

Cassandra's hand drifted to her barely noticeable bump. She exhaled heavily, remaining silent because she had no answers.

After the meeting concluded, Cassandra and Evelyn took discreet transportation to the base, careful not to draw attention.

They presented credentials at the security checkpoint, submitted biometric data, and underwent rigorous screening before gaining access. Cassandra knew these corridollars well from previous visits.

She deliberately selected quarters as far from Alexander's as possible. Evelyn helped arrange Cassandra's belongings before retreating to organize her own space.

Then came the knock.

Cassandra set aside her book and moved to the door. "Evelyn, I told you I can handle the rest myself—" Her voice died when she saw who stood there. Her entire body stiffened.

Had Alexander already discovered her presence?

Her pulse accelerated as she feigned composure. "General Blackwood. To what do I owe this honor?"

Alexander studied her with an inscrutable expression, though warmth flickered in his gaze. "May we talk?"

"I have orientation at dawn," Cassandra replied evenly. "Official matters can wait until I'm properly stationed."

A humorless smile twisted Alexander's lips. "General. Commander. Sir. You might as well call me by my rank."

"How terrified you must be of my affection, to erect such formal barriers between us."

Cassandra reached for the door. "If that's all—"

Alexander's palm slammed against the frame, his expression darkening.

Cassandra flinched at the sudden intensity radiating from him.

Despite his obvious anguish, Alexander didn't lay a finger on her. He mastered his emotions with visible effort. "Let's discuss your grandfather's company. And your family's investigation."

The door swung open immediately. "Please come in."

Alexander entered, his gaze sweeping over the king-sized bed before profound sorrow engulfed his features.

The woman who once called him "Liam" so sweetly, even without love in her heart. The woman who'd pursued his genes so relentlessly.

Now, in less than six months, everything had changed beyond recognition.